Short answer. Yes. Under Article 483 of the Civil Code, whenever a large tree threatens to fall in a way that would damage the land or tenement of another, the tree's owner is legally obligated to fell and remove it. If he refuses, administrative authorities may order it done at his expense.
What the law says
Whenever a large tree threatens to fall in such a way as to cause damage to the land or tenement of another or to travelers over a public or private road, the owner of the tree shall be obliged to fell and remove it; and should he not do so, it shall be done at his expense by order of the administrative authorities.
Civil Code, Article 483 — A Tree Threatening to Fall Must Be Felled. Read the full provision →
The statutory duty to fell a threatening tree
Article 483 of the Civil Code creates a clear legal obligation: the owner of the tree shall be obliged to fell and remove it when it threatens to fall on a neighbor's land or on a road. This is not merely a courtesy your neighbor can choose to ignore. The duty attaches whenever there is a real threat of damage — a visibly leaning trunk, rotting roots, or a tree that was badly damaged by a storm are typical situations where the obligation arises.
What happens if your neighbor refuses
The article provides the remedy directly: if the owner does not act, it shall be done at his expense by order of the administrative authorities. In practice this means you may report the situation to your local government unit — the barangay, city or municipal engineer's office, or the building and safety office. They have authority to compel removal and to charge the costs against the tree's owner if he continues to refuse. This administrative route can be faster than going to court, particularly for an urgent hazard.
Documenting the hazard
Before you approach your neighbor or file a complaint, document the condition of the tree thoroughly. Take dated photographs showing how and where the tree leans, any visible rot or root damage, and the proximity to your property and structures. A written request to your neighbor — delivered personally or by registered mail — creates a paper record that he was notified and given the opportunity to act. That record supports your complaint to authorities and would be relevant if the tree later falls and causes damage.
Civil liability if the tree falls before it is removed
Article 483 imposes a preventive duty; separate Civil Code provisions address liability after the fact. If your neighbor does nothing despite a known threat and the tree falls on your property, you have a claim for damages. Proof that you put him on notice — and that he ignored it — strengthens that claim significantly. The fact that he had a statutory obligation to act, and failed, is directly relevant to whether he was negligent. Keep all records of your communications and any reports you filed with local authorities.